Natural disasters

People recovering from natural disasters such as cyclones, fires, bushfires and floods often feel overwhelmed by the legal issues that can arise. These can include problems with finances, insurance claims, temporary accommodation, and loan repayments.

If you have experienced a natural disaster and are facing issues like these, you may need legal advice. It is important to get advice about your individual situation.

Can we help?

Legal advice and assistance

Legal Aid WA and our partner organisations are committed to ensuring all people affected by the natural disasters such as bushfires, floods and cyclones receive legal help.

We provide free independent legal advice in relation to civil law problems.

In some instances we may also be able to provide minor assistance to help resolve a legal problem. This help may include advocacy, negotiation, or help to lodge an application to the relevant Ombudsman, eg Australian Financial Complaints Authority Ombudsman or Telecommunications Ombudsman.

your insurance papers have been destroyed and you don’t know who your insurer is

you need assistance with lodging a claim

you are unsure what your policy covers

your house has been completely destroyed and your insurance company is requiring you to provide an itemised list of your home’s contents

you are underinsured, or

you disagree with the valuation provided by the assessor or your claim has been refused.

Mortgage or debt issues including where:

you are finding it difficult to meet your home or other loan repayments because of the natural disaster

you are seeking help to vary your loan contract due to hardship or financial difficulty

court action is being threatened, or

you are hoping to access your superannuation to help pay your debts.

Property issues, where:

you have made an offer to buy a property but it was then destroyed or damaged

your property was damaged or burnt down and you have now got an offer for it

your destroyed property was used as security for your mortgage or loan on that (or another) property, or

you owe tradespeople for work on the property.

Housing issues, where:

you are renting and the house is unfit to live in or requires repairs

you are insured and need help with accessing additional accommodation funding under your insurance policy, or

you want help negotiating a rent reduction due to damage to the property.

Replacing important documents such as:

Marriage certificates

Birth certificates

Motor vehicle drivers licences.

How can I best prepare for a future natural disaster?

It is a good idea to be legally prepared before a natural disaster such as a cyclone or a bushfire.

It is important to make sure your insurance is up-to-date and that you have the right cover for fire and flood.

If you have all your important documents, for example, birth certificates, marriage certificates, leasing agreement, Medicare number, health insurance fund details tax file number, superannuation details, current insurance policies, bank account and credit card numbers, title deeds, mortgage papers, will and passports ready in a disaster kit it may make it easier for you if you have to leave quickly. A list of all your valuables belongings and a description of your home would also be useful to have in your kit.

You may also be able to scan your documents and store them electronically. Keep your kit in a secure place.

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Disclaimer

The information displayed on this page is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have a legal problem, you should
see a lawyer. Legal Aid Western Australia aims to provide information that is accurate, however does not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions in the
information provided on this page or incorporated into it by reference.